Things to see in Colombo

Museums & galleries

National Museum of Colombo

A museum in Colombo, also known as the National Museum of Sri Lanka. It's a pleasant, easy stop to make while exploring the city.

Views & landmarks

Lotus Tower

A landmark tower symbolizing Colombo, Sri Lanka. At 351 meters, it's the tallest self-supporting structure in South Asia and a visible reference point from almost anywhere in the city.

Parks & gardens

Galle Face Green

A broad seaside park stretching along the coast in central Colombo, pleasant for a walk in the sea breeze. Once used as a racecourse and golf course, it is now a popular spot for sports and relaxation.

Temples & religious sites

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

A historic mosque in Colombo's Pettah district, it is one of the city's oldest mosques. Its distinctive facade makes it a popular attraction for locals and travelers alike.

Temples & religious sites

St. Anthony's Shrine, Kochchikade

St. Anthony's Shrine in Kochchikade, Colombo, is designated as both a national shrine and a minor basilica. Part of the saint's relics are preserved here, drawing a steady stream of pilgrims.

Temples & religious sites

Gangaramaya Temple

A temple on the shore of Beira Lake in Colombo, completed in the late 19th century. It blends modern architecture with traditional culture and is regarded as one of the city's leading temples.

Views & landmarks

World Trade Center

A pair of 152-meter twin towers in downtown Colombo. Two 39-story towers rise side by side above a four-story commercial podium, making them a landmark of the city skyline.

Temples & religious sites

St. Lucia's Cathedral

The cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Colombo, located in Kotahena in the northeastern part of the city. It has a long history, having grown from a small chapel built during Dutch rule into today's spacious cathedral complex.

Parks & gardens

Viharamahadevi Park

A public park in the heart of Colombo, located next to the National Museum. It's a pleasant spot for a relaxing stroll.

Temples & religious sites

Wolvendaal Church

A landmark of Dutch colonial architecture in the Pettah district of Colombo. It's regarded as one of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka still holding services today.

Temples & religious sites

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

A Buddhist temple located in Kelaniya, 11 km northeast of Colombo. It is one of Sri Lanka's foremost Buddhist temples and remains a steady destination for pilgrims.

Culture & venues

Nelum Pokuna Performing Arts Theatre

A performing arts theatre in Colombo that has hosted a wide range of stage productions since opening in 2011. It's a great place to experience Sri Lanka's performing arts culture.

Temples & religious sites

Seema Malaka

A Buddhist temple built on Beira Lake, used more as a space for meditation and quiet reflection than for worship. It's connected to Gangaramaya Temple, making the two easy to visit together.

Views & landmarks

Colombo Lighthouse

A lighthouse at Galbokka Point, south of Colombo Harbour, along Marine Drive. It makes for a pleasant stop with sea views while strolling the Colombo Port area.

Views & landmarks

Old Colombo Lighthouse

A clock tower at the intersection of Chatham Street and Janadhipathi Mawatha in the Colombo Fort area. It once served as a lighthouse but no longer functions as one, remaining only as a clock tower today.

Shopping & districts

Pettah

A bustling commercial district east of Colombo's Fort area, known for the open-air Pettah Market. Densely packed with wholesale and retail shops, it has a lively, energetic atmosphere.

Zoos & aquariums

National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's largest zoo, located in Colombo. Open since 1936, it houses a wide variety of animals along with an aquarium and a nocturnal animal house, and elephant shows are held regularly.

Shopping & districts

Cinnamon Gardens

An upscale residential district 3km southeast of central Colombo. Its name comes from the cinnamon plantations that once stood here, lending the area an exotic charm.

Views & landmarks

Altair

A skyscraper complex on the shore of Beira Lake, and the second-tallest building in Sri Lanka. Its leaning east tower is regarded as the world's tallest inclined structure, giving the skyline a distinctive look.

Nature

Kelani River

A 145-km river that rises in the Sri Pada mountains and flows to Colombo, making it Sri Lanka's fourth-longest river. It supplies much of Colombo's drinking water, and its banks make for a pleasant scenic walk.

Museums & galleries

Postal museum, Colombo

Sri Lanka's postal museum, located inside Colombo's General Post Office. Visitors can browse postal artifacts and archives with a long history.

Museums & galleries

Sri Lanka Air Force Museum

A museum tracing the history of the Sri Lanka Air Force and its predecessor, the Royal Ceylon Air Force, located inside Ratmalana Air Force Base. It is run by the Air Force itself and open to the public.

Museums & galleries

Colombo Port Maritime Museum

A maritime museum near Colombo Port, run by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. It's a good place to browse exhibits on ships and seafaring.

Attraction

Colombo University Observatory

An observatory on the campus of the University of Colombo, with a telescope permanently housed in its domed observation post. Run by the university's mathematics and astronomy society, it offers a unique way to stargaze amid a campus setting.

Temples & religious sites

Kotte Raja Maha Vihara

A historic Buddhist temple located in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, also designated as a government archaeological site. It's near Pita Kotte, making it easy to visit alongside nearby sights.

Temples & religious sites

Balapokuna Raja Maha Vihara

A historic Buddhist temple in Pamankada, Colombo, recognized as an archaeological site for its historical significance. Its name means "great royal temple."

Temples & religious sites

Karagampitiya Vihara

A historic Buddhist temple in Dehiwala, south of Colombo, officially designated as an archaeological site of Sri Lanka. Located along the Colombo-Galle road, it makes for an easy stop.

Museums & galleries

Currency museum

A museum located in the Central Point Building in Colombo's Fort district, showcasing Sri Lanka's currency and economic history. Its central location makes it an easy, casual stop.

Temples & religious sites

Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour

An Anglican cathedral in the Cinnamon Gardens district of Colombo, belonging to the Church of Ceylon. It's a peaceful place to take in the architecture.

Temples & religious sites

Colombo Grand Mosque

A mosque located in downtown Colombo. It's an easy stop for a glimpse of Sri Lanka's religious culture while out and about.

Views & landmarks

Khan Clock Tower

A clock tower built by the Bombay-based Khan family, regarded as an iconic landmark of Colombo. It stands at the entrance to Pettah Market, making it a convenient stop before or after browsing the market.

Shopping & districts

Havelock Town

Just south of central Colombo, Havelock Town is a lively neighborhood blending commercial and residential life. Centered around the large Havelock City complex, it's a great area for a walk and some shopping.

Nature

Diyawanna Lake

A lake in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, near Colombo, nicknamed "Parliament Lake" for its proximity to the Parliament building. It's a pleasant spot for a relaxing stroll along the shore.

Temples & religious sites

Christ Church, Galkissa

An Anglican church in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia near Colombo, consecrated in 1843. Four graves in its cemetery are protected as an archaeological monument of Sri Lanka, adding to its historical significance.

Museums & galleries

Kotte Museum

An archaeological museum in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, representing the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Run by the Department of Archaeology, it showcases the region's history through its artifacts.

Temples & religious sites

St. Lawrence's Church

A Roman Catholic church on Galle Road in the Wellawatte area of Colombo, serving as the parish's main church. It's dedicated to St. Lawrence, the patron saint of Sri Lanka and Colombo.

Temples & religious sites

Siri Perakumba Pirivena

A historic Buddhist temple at the entrance to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte near Colombo, also designated as a government archaeological site. Its quiet grounds offer a glimpse into Sri Lankan Buddhist culture.

Temples & religious sites

Sri Pushparama Vihara, Ratmalana

A historic Buddhist temple in Ratmalana, on the outskirts of Colombo, officially designated as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka. It sits right on the Colombo-Galle main road, making it an easy stop along the way.

Museums & galleries

National Museum of Natural History

Sri Lanka's only natural history museum, located near the Colombo National Museum. It offers a broad look at the island nation's natural heritage, making it a great stop for travelers interested in ecology.

Museums & galleries

Sri Lanka Planetarium

Sri Lanka's only planetarium, located in Colombo. It's a great place to explore exhibits on astronomy and the universe.

Shopping & districts

Kayman's Gate

The site of a former gateway to old Colombo Fort in the Pettah district, where a historic bell tower now stands in the middle of the street. It's a good spot to trace remnants of the past while wandering the bustling shopping streets.

Temples & religious sites

St Michael and All Angels Church, Polwatte

An Anglican church in the Kollupitiya area of Colombo. It's a pleasant spot for a quiet look around and a feel for the local atmosphere.

Culture & venues

Lionel Wendt Art Centre

A leading multidisciplinary arts center in Colombo, established in honor of photographer Lionel Wendt. It houses both an exhibition gallery and a performance theater, offering visual art and drama alike.